DIGITAL ARTMAKING TOOLS
Here are some examples of digital tools that are no-cost, usually web-based options for creating many kinds of digital art including animation, sound editing, still-photo editing, painting, video editing and more. Please note that these examples are by no means a complete list of what is available. In addition, your equipment or operating system manufacturer may provide free tools that will do the job as well or better than these examples. All students should do their own research and consult an adult family member for guidance in what will work best for them.
ATTENTION: THESE LINKS ARE PROVIDED AS EXAMPLES FOR INFORMATION ONLY. THE SITES AND TOOLS DESCRIBED AND LINKED ARE NOT ENDORSED BY THE ART DEPARTMENT OR THE SHIPPENSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT. VIEWERS/USERS/DOWNLOADERS OF THESE WEBSITES AND TOOLS DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK.
ATTENTION: THESE LINKS ARE PROVIDED AS EXAMPLES FOR INFORMATION ONLY. THE SITES AND TOOLS DESCRIBED AND LINKED ARE NOT ENDORSED BY THE ART DEPARTMENT OR THE SHIPPENSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT. VIEWERS/USERS/DOWNLOADERS OF THESE WEBSITES AND TOOLS DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK.
IMAGE EDITORS/DIGITAL PAINTING TOOLS
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
Similar to Adobe Photoshop, GIMP is a free alternative that has been around since 1996. This software can be used to manipulate and retouch photos or for painting digitally. It is downloadable software for Mac, Windows, or Linux. It does not work on Chromebooks. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR SITE |
PIXLR
Pixlr is a free online Photoshop alternative- an editor and painting tool that works with Chromebooks. It is often highly rated and has a full set of features. Interestingly, it offers both an easy and advanced editor which users can choose based on their experience and the type of work they expect to do. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR SITE |
PHOTOPEA
Photopea is a full-featured, free photo editor that works on any internet browsing device. It is very similar to Photoshop both in looks and function. If you've studied Photoshop, but don't have it at home, this might be the editor for you! NO NEED TO DOWNLOAD; PHOTOPEA WORKS IN YOUR BROWSER. YOU CAN VISIT THEIR WEBSITE HERE! |
SNAPSEED Snapseed is a free photo editor from Google for mobile devices. It works on iPad and iPhone and also on Android tablets and phones AND on Chromebooks. It offers many tools to improve and change the look of your photos. It does not offer a painting function. CAN BE DOWNLOADED ON BOTH THE GOOGLE PLAY AND APPLE APP STORES |
VIDEO EDITORS/3-D ANIMATION
WEVIDEO
WeVideo is a free online video editor. It also offers more features and online storage with pay options. Works on Chromebook, Android phones and tablets, and Apple iOS. CLICK HERE VISIT THEIR SITE |
BLENDER
Blender is an amazingly powerful free tool for Mac OS, Windows, and Linux. It can be used for video editing, but also for 3-D modeling, 3-D and 2-D animation and special effects! CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR SITE |
TRADITIONAL, STOP-MOTION, AND
2-D DIGITAL ANIMATION
KAPWING
Kapwing is a free online video editor that allows you to upload photos and import them into your video. Using this function, stop-motion or traditional cel animation can be made. Web-based, any platform. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR SITE
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BLENDER (AGAIN)
Not just for 3-D design or for editing video, the folks at Blender have also given it the capability to do both 3-D and 2-D animation. This free tool has amazing versatility. Must be installed on the computer. For Mac, Windows or Linux. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR SITE |
vector graphics and page layout
GRAVIT DESIGNER
Designer is a free vector-drawing tool, similar to Adobe Illustrator. It s great for logo design and other non-photographic image creation. Web-based, it works on any computer and on Chromebook. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR SITE |
LUCIDPRESS
LucidPress is a free "brand templating" tool. It can also be used as a page layout and design tool similar to Adobe InDesign or Microsoft Publisher. Web-based, it works on computers and Chromebook CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR SITE |
SOUND recording and EDITING
TWISTEDWAVE
Twistedwave is a free browser-based sound editor that works with any computer and Chromebook. Offers an export to Google Drive feature and many advanced functions. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR WEBSITE |
AUDACITY
Audacity is free, open-source audio editing software for Mac, Windows, or Linux. It requires a download and installation. This tool features many advanced features. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR WEBSITE |
3-D DESIGN and modeling TOOLS
SKETCHUP
Sketchup FREE from Google is a free, web-based 3-D design tool that works on any computer and on Chromebook. Whether you'd like to design a house, sculpture, or any other 3-D object, Sketchup has the tools to do it. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR WEBSITE |
BLENDER (YES, BLENDER AGAIN!)
Blender offers many different functions, but it was first created for 3-D design. Artists, gamers, and architects have used it for years to visualize 3-D spaces. For Mac, Windows and Linux. Requires download and installation. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR WEBSITE |
KINETIC TYPOGRAPHY
RENDERFOREST Renderforest is a tool for creating kinetic (moving) typography and graphics. If you are designing a logo, a visual poem, or a title sequence for a film, Renderforest is a great place to start. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR WEBSITE |